Copyright Drama Reaches 3D Printing World

jfruh writes "Stratasys, one of the world's biggest 3D printer manufacturers, routinely uses 3D-printed objects as displays for its booths at trade shows. The problem: It's been using objects designed by popular designer Asher Nahmias, whose creations are licensed under a noncommercial Creative Commons license — and he says Stratasys's use violates the licensing terms. This is just one example of how the nascent 3D printing industry is having to grapple with the IP implications of creating physical objects out of downloadable designs. Another important problem: IP law distinguishes between purely decorative and useful objects, but how should the digital files that provide a design for those objects be treated?" The models are copyrighted and licensed NC, but what about the resulting object? Precedent seems to imply that the resulting object cannot be controlled (e.g. the output of a GPLed program is not GPLed, so why should executing a program on a 3D printer be any different?).

Depends on who you ask

[girlintraining]

IP law distinguishes between purely decorative and useful objects, but how should the digital files that provide a design for those objects be treated?"

Corporations: Treat possession of them as major criminal activity. Outlaw them. Nuke it from orbit, only way to be sure.

Academics: We should probably make a fair use exception, so anyone can do it for personal use, or if its a parody work... you know, non-commercial.

Slashdotters: Screw profits! Digital blue prints want to be freeeeeeeee!

Richard Stallman: We should join our hands together and sing songs, using copyright against them! By creating free alternatives to commercial products without restriction, we can build a stronger community.

Me: Until it can print a cat, the internet won't care.